Sessions: House Will Defend the Constitution Against Presidential Overreach

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Congressman Pete Sessions (R-TX), Chairman of the House Rules Committee, today released the following statement regarding the unveiling of a draft House resolution to authorize a lawsuit on behalf of the House of Representatives regarding the President’s repeated refusal to abide by his oath of office and faithfully execute the law as required by the Constitution:

"Today we released a draft resolution to authorize the initiation of a lawsuit on behalf of the House of Representatives for the President’s refusal to faithfully execute the law with respect to the implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. We do this in order to uphold our oath to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution.  It is the same oath the President has taken, and yet, time and again he has circumvented the American people and their elected representatives.  

"The President’s failure to uphold his oath dangerously shifts the balance of power away from what the Founding Fathers intended and the Constitution requires.  Congress’ ability to effectively represent the American people is severely restricted when the executive unilaterally chooses to create its own laws. Further, the President’s actions undermine the rule of law which enables a fair and functioning society in which individuals may invest and businesses may create jobs that help our economy grow.

"Upholding our system of laws and separation of powers is not a partisan issue.  Anyone who believes in checks and balances should be concerned with the President’s unconstitutional exercise of power.  

"That is why the Rules Committee will take a thorough, deliberative approach when considering this resolution to ensure that we hear all sides of the issue, engage in vigorous debate, and help the House of Representatives as it moves forward to defend the Constitution. If Congress doesn't act now, the erosion of legislative power will continue, and the damage to our Constitution and to our Republic will be irreversible." 

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Created:
Jul 10, 2014